Jay Altarejos' Huwag Mo Akong Salingin (2076 Kolektib, 2025) begins with an homage to Noli Me Tángere, a novel by Filipino writer and activist José Rizal. From the glossy visual elements to how outfits redefine women and the effectively sublime satire of an environment that Altarejos knew so well. In any case, analysis of the plot development or personality traits of its main characters is hardly the appropriate approach to a film like Huwag Mo Akong Salingin. Even more than the pointed socio-political commentary, this is a playful exercise in ideas that hides its more serious provocations, but still retains the power to dazzle any viewer willing to just be taken in by the visual audacity of it all. The sets and costumes are absolutely gorgeous. They help influence the characters making the film worth watching. Through the beautiful sets and costumes, Altarejos gives audiences a visual delight and perfect representation of that. Both help tell the story and play an integral part in keeping the viewer invested. Its anarchic skewering of a fashion culture much lighter in tone on its surface but still wielding a bludgeon every bit as cynical and dismissive of wholesome mainstream tastes, puts us on the other side of the camera, posing the question How does it feel to be a woman? Altarejos is too savvy to just tell us how it feels, but he clearly has a fun time giving us some delirious imagery to stop and take a good long look at.
Fearuring the Gowns of Rene Magtibay Salud
Jewelry By: Milagros Berboso Imson
Written and Directed By: Joselito Altarejos
Director of Photography: Marco Bertillo Mata
Edited By: Jay Altarejos, Marco Bertillo Mata
Sound and Music By: Arbi Barbarona
Production Design: 2076 Kolektib
